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All posts for the month September, 2013

Did anyone notice that after Sam and Holiday’s confession in Episode 31, a rainbow appeared? I

I really can’t believe Triumph in the Skies II ended. I can’t bear with Sniper Standoff and decided to drop it after Episode 3. As for Always and Ever, the ancient era was okay. But the pre-modern era, I couldn’t deal with it either, so i dropped that as well on the same day as Sniper Standoff.

It’s been almost 2 weeks since the ending of Triumph in the Skies II ended. And I am really missing it. Especially Sam and Holiday of course! The other two TVB series right now (Always and Ever and Sniper Standoff) has been so bad that I’ve decided to drop them. I’ve just been rewatching the Sam and Holiday bits over and over again. I can never get sick of them!

So, Triumph in the Skies II has came to an end. Let’s recap of what happened in this season:

Samuel Tong (Francis Ng) is in England mending his heart back together after the death of his wife Zoe (Myolie Wu). He cannot get over the fact that he was not by her side when she passed away. After much persuading, Sam finally agrees to go back with them to Hong Kong to continue his career. He is almost always serious on any aspects of life, whether work or love. At first, he feels it is his responsibility to look after Holiday (Fala Chan) while she is in Hong Kong. Later, they both develop feelings for each other as they help each other walk out of their previous love relationship. He tries to push Holiday to Jayden (Chilam Cheung) upon knowing that Jayden still loves Holiday. But they realize they only think of one another during a near-death flight experience.

Manna (Michelle Yim) owns a restaurant in London. She becomes close friends with Sam after she is there to physically support him when he needed someone’s comfort. She is extremely supportive of Holiday. She is more than glad to find out that Holiday is dating Sam. She promises BJ (K. K. Cheung) to travel around the world together.

BJ Chong (K. K. Cheung) is Manna’s long time friend. Because Manna was pregnant with Holiday (Fala Chan) and he already had a family at the time they fell in love, they decided to meet once a year on February 28th. After retiring from Skylette, passing both Holiday and Jim Jim (Him Law) as Second Officers, he proposes to Manna to spend the rest of the time they will have to travel the world together.

Holiday Ho (Fala Chan) is Manna’s daughter. She has not been home for a year, trying to get over her boyfriend, Daniel’s death. She is outgoing, but very emotional when it comes to her love life. She thinks Jayden (Chilam Cheung) is the one when he is able to unlock her bangle, but later finds out she only saw him as a substitute for Daniel. They break up. Holiday helps Sam (Francis Ng) get over the death of his wife Zoe. They later realize they have fallen in love with each other. At the same time, Jayden realizes Holiday is his true love and tries to win her back. Sam tries to push her to Jayden, but they realize they only think of one another during a life-changing flight experience.

Jayden Koo (Chilam Cheung) is the celebrity captain at Skylette Airlines. He is the playboy in the eyes of many. But, this is because his father left his family at a young age. He has been trying to reconnect with his sister, Summer Koo (Myolie Wu). He falls in love with Holiday, and they start an open relationship. But when they break up, he realizes Holiday is really his true love. He fails to reconcile with Holiday and realizes his true passion is to fight for world peace. He rejoins the air force to fight for world peace.

Summer Koo (Myolie Wu) is the younger sister of Jayden Koo (Chilam Cheung). She was mad at him because he abandoned her to join the Australian air force when she was young. When they finally rekindled their sibling relationship, Jayden often offers her lessons on love. But actually, Summer is the one listening to his problematic love life. She looks exactly like Zoe, as most people who saw her the first time think she is Zoe. She likes Issac (Ron Ng), but did not want to hurt Josie (Kelly Fu) after finding out about her illness. She builds up the courage to confess to Issac, only to be treated coldly. For Issac, she takes the engineer exam, to prove no matter how hard it is, she will still do it. Issac finally accepts her love after he becomes captain pilot.

Teddy On (Adrian Chau) is an engineer at Skylette. He has a crush on Summer (Myolie Wu), but he gives up when he finds out Summer actually likes Issac (Ron Ng). Although he is happy as an engineer, his father tells him he has the capability to be a pilot, so he enters the cadet program and passes. His father is forgiving when Teddy tells him his true passion is still to be an engineer.

Issac Tong (Ron Ng) is the younger brother of Samuel. He is trying to become a captain pilot. Issac sees Captain Cool as his idol. He tries to help Jayden and his younger sister Summer patch their relationship. At the same time, he falls in love with her. But, he must control his emotions as he thinks his brother Sam (Francis Ng) has not accepted Zoe’s death yet. A café waitress, Josie (Kelly Fu) falls in love with him. When he finds out Josie has a terminal illness, he tries to help her complete her ‘to-do’ list. But at the same time, Summer misunderstands him. When Summer finally confesses her love to him, she gets back at her, by pretending he does not care anymore. He finally becomes captain pilot, with his brother as the examiner.

Josie Qiao (Kelly Fu) is a waitress at the cafe lounge. She falls in love with Issac (Ron Ng) at first sight. But, she is always reminded by her good friend Apple (Toby Leung) that she is restricted to certain activities because of her terminal illness. After Issac finds out about her illness, he tries to help her complete her ‘to-do list’. When she realizes Summer (Myolie Wu) and Issac love one another, she brings the lovers together. She goes back to Taiwan to undergo surgery for her illness.

Fergus Fok (Stephen Huynh) is the older brother of Apple (Toby Leung). After he finds out that she was abandoned at the airport when she was an infant, he tries to uncover more information about her.

Apple Tung (Toby Leung) is the goddaughter of Sam (Francis Ng). She is also the good friend of Josie (Kelly Fu). She was abandoned as a baby at the airport, so she works there as she feels one day her parents will find her there. Apple finds out that her brother is actually Fergus (Stephen Huynh). She later dates Tucker (William Chak).

Tucker Luk (William Chak) is a First Officer at Skylette. He is a roommate of Fergus (Stephen Huynh), who later dates Apple (Toby Leung).

Roy Ko (Kenneth Ma) is Issac’s best friend. He is also trying to be a captain pilot. At the beginning, he double-dates Phillis Miu (Coffee Lam) and Joanne Chung (Skye Chan). His explanation is he does not know which to choose. Under the persuasion of Heather (Elena Kong), he breaks up with both of them at the same time on a flight. He later starts a ‘friends with benefits’ relationship with Heather, but Heather wants to call it off. He gets together with Heather at the end, proposing to her in front of almost the entire Skylette crew.

Nick Chung (Hugo Wong) was the boyfriend of Coco (Nancy Wu). But because he comes from a conservative family, he cannot accept the fact that she will be the surrogate mother for her friends. Nick calls off their marriage, but they still remain friends after the breakup.

Coco Ling (Nancy Wu) has settled in Hong Kong as a flight attendant and has a wonderful boyfriend, Nick Chung (Hugo Wong). They were at the stage of marriage. But because her good friend, Colby’s (Candice Chiu) boyfriend Victor (Stephen Wong) is fighting with cancer, and Colby cannot carry a baby, Coco helps as the surrogate mother for the baby. Victor is not happy about this and breaks off the marriage. Single, and with a baby now, Coco receives help from Jim Jim (Him Law), one of her elementary classmates. Coco later accepts Jim Jim’s love. She marries Jim Jim at the end.

Jim Jim (Him Law) was the next swimming star. He wanted his brother, who was his coach, to lead a normal life again, so he quit swimming and decided to pursue flying instead, joining the Pre-Pilot Program (PPP). He finds out that Coco (Nancy Wu) is the girl he had a crush on in elementary school. He supports her through her surrogate pregnancy. He eventually confesses his love to her. He marries Coco at the end.

Colby Ko (Candice Chiu) is the best friend of Coco (Nancy Wu). Her boyfriend Victor (Stephen Wong) disappeared off to Taiwan to undergo treatment for cancer. When she finds out after Victor returns to Hong Kong, she wants to bring a baby to the world to give him hope. As Colby cannot carry a baby, she asks Coco to be the surrogate mother, breaking the engagement between Coco and her boyfriend Nick (Hugo Wong).

Victor Li (Stephen Wong) is the boyfriend of Colby (Candice Chiu). He goes to Taiwan to undergo treatment for leukemia. When he returns to Hong Kong, he sees Colby again. Colby says she wants to bring a baby to deliver hope, but since she is unable to carry a baby, they have Coco be the surrogate mother.

Heather Fong (Elena Kong) is one of the head flight attendants and was married to Tony (Patrick Dunn), but they realized they had fallen out of love. After their divorce, they remain good friends. Her adopted daughter is Pink Pink (Rebecca Zhu). She becomes a mentor to Roy’s (Kenneth Ma) relationship problems. She wants to end their ‘friends with benefits’ relationship. She begins a relationship with Mr. King (Pal Sinn), but realizes she only sees him as a friend. She agrees to Roy’s proposal at the end.

Tony Ching (Patrick Dunn) is a captain pilot. He was married to Heather (Elena Kong), but they realized they treated each other like family members rather than soulmates. They remain good friends after their divorce. Tony realizes Rachel, Heather’s friend, was the one who had a crush on him all along.

Rachel Wei (Jess Shum) is one of the head flight attendants. She had a crush on Tony (Patrick Dunn) all along, but because he was married to her good friend Heather, she kept quiet. After their divorce, she starts dating Tony.

Adrian King (Pal Sinn) is the General Manager of Skylette. He is also the biological father of Pink Pink (Rebecca Zhu). All along, he had been unwilling to admit she was his daughter, as he knew his ex-wife cheated on him. Heather (Elena Kong), Pink Pink’s stepmother, helps him realize Pink Pink is really his daughter. He tries to court Heather, so Pink Pink would finally have a complete family, but he finds out that Roy likes Heather.

Pink Pink Wu (Rebecca Zhu) is the daughter of Adrian King (Pal Sinn), the head of Skylette Airlines. However, she was raised by Heather (Elena Kong). She initially wanted to become a flight attendant at Skylette to see her father, but later realized she enjoyed her job. She is thankful for Hero (Quinn Ho), for taking part in helping her patch her relationship with her father. She later develops love for Hero. She actually became a flight attendant because she wanted to see her father and then continued because she wanted to see Hero more. But, under the encouragement of Hero, she decides to continue pursuing her dreams of a being a dancer.

Hero Yung (Quinn Ho) had the dream of flying planes ever since he was a child. He joined the Pre-Pilot Program (PPP) and then the Cadet Program. At first, he was not fond of Pink Pink (Rebecca Zhu), but he later discovers she has feelings for him. They get together at the end. He encourages Pink Pink to continue her passion of dancing.

MOST SELFISH: Colby Ko (Candice Chiu) / MOST SELFLESS (Nancy Wu):

Colby (Candice Chiu) is Coco’s (Nancy Wu) best friend. Her fiancée Victor (Stephen Wong) has cancer and she thinks a baby will help him have a goal for live for. She cannot physically carry a baby, so she asks Coco to help them. Coco agrees, but at the same time, Coco has to break up with Nick (Hugo Wong) for the decision. When Coco is six or seven months pregnant, she texts Coco in Sanya saying she is unsure whether the decision to bring a baby in the world is correct or not since Victor’s condition is getting worst. Then, she tells Coco that Victor is doing better and the baby is hope. But, when Coco goes back to Hong Kong, she once again disappears and does not answer her texts, calls, and emails. She makes it seem like the world revolves around her. She knows she was the cause of Coco and Nick’s breakup. But yet, she is not there to support Coco throughout her surrogate pregnancy. And when Victor is well again, she takes back the baby. Coco is hands-down, the best friend anyone can ask for. She was willing to sacrifice her own happiness for Colby.

MOST FUNNY: Roy Ko (Kenneth Ma) / Jayden Koo (Chilam Cheung)

It might be because both Roy (Kenneth Ma) and Jayden (Chilam Cheung) were/are playboys, which contributed to their comedic nature in their characters. Roy was comedic in his words. Jayden was funny through his words and facial expressions.

MOST CONFUSED: Jayden Koo (Chilam Cheung)

It might be of his family, but Jayden (Chilam Cheung) was surely a confused one. He has had numerous girlfriends in his life, and he is not willing to commit to any of them. Even with Holiday (Fala Chan), it was an open relationship. Not long after Holiday breaks up with him, he realizes that Holiday is actually his true love. And, he goes to all extents to prove himself as the one for Holiday and that they should be together again. He seemed to be teaching his sister Summer (Myolie Wu) lessons on love, but in reality, it was Myolie repeating back his lessons to him, and therefore became the one ‘teaching’ him, making him realize what and who was right for him. It wasn’t until the very end that he finally realized it was impossible between him and Holiday.

MOST INTERESTING: Samuel Tong (Francis Ng)

Samuel (Francis Ng) is the character of evolution. He started out depressed. It seems as if his life reached a dead end after his wife’s death. But, Holiday (Fala Chan) was the shining bright star that bought light into his life once again. Sam’s character is interesting in that we watched as he progressed from not expressing himself to finally realizing he should express himself and let others know how he feels.

MOST LOVABLE: Holiday Ho (Fala Chan)

Holiday (Fala Chan) started out as a very emotional person. Her actions reflected her love life. But nevertheless, she is still the bubbly person. She creates a lively atmosphere wherever she is. At first, she seems to be directionless, until she is guided by Sam (Francis Ng). We watch as her character matures through the PPP (Pre-Pilot Program) and Cadet Program. She shows she is not willing to give up, regardless of what others say. She tries her best, until she can accomplish what she wants.

BEST COUPLE: Sam and Holiday (Francis Ng and Fala Chan)

They both changed each other, for the better of course. Sam (Francis Ng) was originally someone who barely smiled, and kept all his feelings to himself. Holiday (Fala Chan) was originally the carefree and careless one. Sam taught Holiday what it means to be disciplined and responsible: the main criteria to be a pilot. And, Holiday taught Sam what it is to smile and express his feelings in words. They led each other out of their past, forever gone relationships and moved forwards, knowing they should cherish the ones they have now.

THE SONGS:

The series had one themesong, two subsongs, and several background songs.

I found the Themesong to be quite appealing, contrary to what others thought. George Lam’s powerful voice contributes to the strong cast and effort behind the series. The lyrics relate to the series as well, describing the long journey of the plane ride and if people worked together, they can accomplish a whole lot.

Subsong by Raymond Lam (On My Way):

如命懸十秒以內 我想你在 (If life was 10 seconds long, I know you would be in there.)
如若忘掉你 呼吸不再 (If I were to forget you, I would not breathe.)

This song was a mix of Cantonese and English, although the Cantonese and English does not really relate to each other. It feels like they took half of one song and half of another song and tried to merge them together…

Subsong by Mag Lam (空中戀人 Lovers in the Sky):

…愛如航機 旅程難揣測天氣 (…Love is like a flight. Weather is hard to say during the journey.)
能為你送上氧氣飛得起… (I want to send you oxygen to fly…)

The song starts out softly and calmly, and eventually builds up in momentum before slowing down again. The song compares love to a flight ride: the changes they are doubt to experience during the journey. As all the couples in the series experienced their ups and downs, this song can relate to all the couples in different ways.

Sam and Holiday’s Song — Eternally Yours (Tim Ellis):

…Forever whatever they may decide
Forever what ver I’ll stand by your side
For worse and for better I’ll be the one whose always there
And we’ll be together forever whatever may come…

This song truly suits Sam and Holiday. They have gone through their own emotional setbacks before finally realizing they are the soulmate for each other. After their emotional journey, they should be with one another forever and ever.

Roy and Heather’s Song — Dry Your Eyes (Tim Ellis):

…I can make you feel beautiful, wont you let me dry your eyes?
I can make you feel beautiful, baby don’t you cry…

Roy and Heather realize they have known so much about each other. They know how to make the other feel better when the other is not feeling happy. They complement one another.

THE LOCATIONS:

Sanya, Hainan:

Sanya was mainly the location for the development of Issac and Summer, Jim Jim and Coco, and Hero and Pink Pink.

London, England:

London was the location where Sam and Holiday first met, unknowingly. The Pre-Pilot Program (PPP) took place here. Later, the Cadet Program came here for training.

Paris, France:

Paris is the romantic location of where Jayden and Holiday started. But as romantic as their relationship gets, it does not last. Roy and Heather also kissed under the Eiffel Tower after Roy passed his captain pilot exam.

Kenting, Taiwan:

Kenting was mainly the location for the development of Roy and Heather.

Kaoshiung, Taiwan:

Kaoshiung was where Sam and Holiday realized they should truly let go of their past relationship and move onto the present to cherish the ones they have now.

4 MOST MEMORABLE MOMENTS:

Jayden and Summer Reconcile (Episode 17):

After many years of not acknowledging her brother, Summer (Myolie Wu) finally forgives Jayden (Chilam Cheung) after she found out that he punched another pilot because of her and might have to stop flying because of the incident.

Coco and Nick’s Farewell (Episode 18):

Coco (Nancy Wu) is to go to the US to undergo procedures for the surrogate pregnancy for her friends Colby (Candice Chiu) and VIctor (Stephen Wong). Nick (Hugo Wong) comes to wish her well. They both know that after this, they will no longer be in a relationship after she leaves. It is heartbreaking to see Coco give up such a good boyfriend for her friend.

Issac Becomes Captain (Episode 42):

It is Issac’s (Ron Ng) last chance to take the captain test. At first he thought he was going to fail, due to the bad weather, but, he finally passes, under his brother Sam (Francis Ng) as the examiner. Sam even writes a note saying well done, which surprises him, as Sam almost never praises him.

Sam Finally Confesses (Episode 43):

As one of the wings caused a malfunction, causing the pilots to be able to only control 1/3 of the plane’s operation, Sam (Francis Ng) steps up to take over the flight. When they land safely, he puts his hand on Holiday’s (Fala Chan) hand. This gesture was good enough to show Jayden (Chilam Cheung) they would be together. Instead of having Holiday pick, Sam further showed in action that they are right for one another. And when Holiday asks what he thought about when the plane was in danger, he answers everything that was about her. So proud of him!! He is finally willing to confess and commit.

Final Note: I really enjoyed the series, probably because of the development of some characters and their storylines. I especially liked the pairing of Sam (Francis Ng) and Holiday (Fala Chan)!

“If he’s nice, how come you haven’t told him that we’re dating? Of course I understand. Who would easily accept surrogate pregnancy? And this is his brother’s girlfriend that we are talking about. I am talking about your brother. You respect him so much, what if he rejects us dating? How would you choose?”

-Coco (Nancy Wu) finally gives birth to Colby (Candice Chiu) and Victor’s (Stephen Wong) baby. She starts dating Jim Jim (Him Law). She resumes her position as flight attendant at Skylette and after Jim Jim’s Line check for Second Officer, they take the opportunity to explore London. She questions Jim Jim, what if his brother really disapproves them dating? How would he choose between the two of them? Jim Jim assures her that he will choose both. He will keep persuading his brother until he approves, no matter how long it will take. He will not let go of either person, as they are both important people in his life.

Episode 37: Issac (Ron Ng)

“It’s too late. We already missed the good timing. I thought I really understood you and liked you before. But it turns out it’s all my thoughts. When you like me, you want me, but when you don’t, you push me to others. I completely have no idea what you are thinking. You treat me like a doll, easily giving me to someone else. But, I am a human. I have emotions. I have feelings. Yes, let’s have another chance and be friends.”

-Josie (Kelly Fu) finally completes her to-do list, with the last on the list being a wedding photoshoot with Issac (Ron Ng). This forces Summer (Myolie Wu) to finally have the courage and confess to Issac that she loves him. But, Issac tells her it’s too late. He is a human, and not a doll. He does not want to be pushed around.

Episode 38: Samuel Tong (Francis Ng)

“Feel is something that does not last too long. I want something that will last long, so we must build a strong foundation.”

-Holiday (Fala Chan) asks Sam (Francis Ng) why he said they have a long way to go before marriage at his celebration party the other day. Holiday says love is about feelings. But Sam says feelings are only short term. He wants a long term relationship, and that requires a strong foundation. This confuses Holiday.

Episode 39: Summer (Myolie Wu)

“Anyhow, I won. So, you have to do whatever I say. Take the captain test. You failed twice already. This is your last chance. I know you are stressed out. But, you have the potential. All you have to do is let go of the past failures. I have confidence you will definitely pass. ”

-Issac (Ron Ng) is reluctant to take the last chance he has for the captain pilot test because he is worried that if he fails, he will make Sam (Francis Ng) look bad. Summer (Myolie Wu) challenges him to a bike contest and he purposely lets her win. But she challenges him to take the captain test, and although she knows it is hard, she says she will take the engineer exam.

Episode 40: Jayden (Chilam Cheung)

“After this time, I realized taking risks involves consequences. I’ve only failed twice in my life, both thanks to Captain Tong. Last time, it didn’t count because he wasn’t AE. But this time, they are really cancelling all my flights. I really have to undergo hearings. This can be said as one of my life’s most difficult event. The feeling is quite… bad.”

Jayden (Chilam Cheung) must undergo hearings before he can fly again, as there is a clip of him drinking beer 12 hours prior to his renewal exam. Sam (Francis Ng) is the one who decided he should undergo hearings to prove his innocence before he can fly again. Holiday (Fala Chan) finds out through other pilots at Skylette and goes to confront Sam, but he says it is best not to talk about work at home. Therefore, Holiday goes to comfort Jayden, to which he realizes taking risks, and doing things the dangerous way, can lead to their consequences.

Episode 41: Holiday (Fala Chan)

“Yes, it is hard. That is why I am forcing myself to change. Don’t you see it? Why am I changing? I am changing for you. And the problem is, you are a pilot captain. You are always on top of everything. So I always have to change. But, even as your girlfriend, I have to listen to whatever you say. We got together after you said let’s be together. We didn’t officially announce it until you said we could announce it officially. But, I am already doing what you are asking for. What more can I do, Sam? The real Holiday Ho already changed, for you.”

-Sam (Francis Ng) believes Holiday (Fala Chan) is not suitable to be a pilot after she forgot to change the angle of the radar during a flight. He knows she is the type of person who enjoys freedom, but pilots must have discipline. But, Holiday finally lets out all her words. Whether Sam is the captain or her boyfriend, she is always the one changing for him. She does not know what else she can do, as Sam makes it seems like she is always the one who is wrong.

Episode 42: Jayden (Chilam Cheung)

“Actually, I never understood the heaviness of this outfit. But today, I finally realized it is not lightweight at all. I realized today that wearing this outfit means taking on a responsibility. Every step and every decision have very important impacts. There definitely cannot be any mistakes.”

-Jayden (Chilam Cheung) admits to Holiday (Fala Chan) that he has finally realized the importance of the outfit. He is ready to go to his last hearing. He has decided not to avoid the problem anymore and to actually face it. He has came to realization that a captain pilot bears the responsibility for the plane and the passengers on board.

Episode 43: Sam (Francis Ng)

“All [I thought about] included you.”

-After safely landing the plane because something was wrong with one of the wings, Holiday (Fala Chan) asks Sam (Francis Ng) what was on his mind. It turns out that both were thinking about each other in a life-changing situation. Sam was finally about to let his words show he cares about Holiday.

Well, here it is. Triumph in the Skies II has reached the ending after 8 weeks of broadcast. What do you think of the series? I will be posting an overview of the series soon. So, stayed posted for that!